If Your Child Has Difficulty Adjusting

Symptoms that your child may be having difficulty adjusting:

It is extremely difficult to cope with stressful situations that last for a long time. Children have less ability to cope with stress because of their limited life experiences. Some symptoms that your child may be having difficulty adjusting include:

agitated behavior, such as crying, thumb sucking

disturbed bodily functions, such as eating, sleeping, or elimination

separation anxiety, such as clinging, refusing to sleep alone, wanting to be held constantly

sleep disturbances and nightmares

regression in toilet training, dressing, or self-feeding

withdrawal

decreased self-confidence

makes deprecating comments about self

aggression, both verbal and physical

repeated episodes of sadness

compulsive re-enactment of traumatic events in play

concentration difficulties

behavior changes (the quiet may become frantic and the energetic may become lethargic)

physical ailment, such as headaches, stomach aches, or dizziness

increased dependence

resentment of unfairness of situation, blaming

difficulty with peers

unrealistic expectations of self and others

concern with body image

frustration, producing rebellion

avoidance and denial to avoid addressing issue

reluctance to trust or open self to others

feelings of hopelessness, meaningless of life

depression

lowered impulse control, easily frustrated

drug and alcohol abuse

Any unusual, persistent behavior should be evaluated by a qualified mental health professional. It is often very beneficial to seek professional care when you are concerned or unsure about what do next. If one or more of these behaviors persist over a long period of time, and to a marked degree, professional help may be needed.